Thirty-two years ago, an explosive quarrel between ex-lovers was the theme of "Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta," a three-minute musical melodrama that rivaled the best telenovelas. That tune introduced Pimpinela to the Spanish-speaking world, which embraced the duo and turned them into globe-trotting international stars.

Composed of Argentine siblings Joaquin and Lucía Galan, Pimpinela is estimated to have sold more than 25 million discs, including the driving, danceable "Hay Amores Que Matan," the folk-tinged "El Amor No Se Puede Olvidar" and the lush balladry of "Pase Lo Que Pase." The tunes are highlighted by Lucia's vibrant soprano and Joaquin's lavish, ABBA-style arrangements.

The group has been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their first hit with a tour that brings them to Phoenix for the first time. Joaquin, 59, answered questions by e-mail about the show; his sister Lucía, 53; and the duo's longevity.

Question: What will fans get at a Pimpinela concert?

Answer: They can expect two hours full of fun, excitement, passion, laughs, tears and nostalgia. We will give them entertainment and songs with six musicians, two choirs and photos and videos on an LED screen.

Q: The duo is known throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Do you have a favorite country?

A: We always enjoy meeting Latin Americans and Spanish people. From Argentina to Mexico, they are our family.

Q: Who were the group's musical influences?

A: I formed my first group inspired by the Beatles. Over time, the Bee Gees, the Carpenters, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand were our greatest idols. Then Madonna came, and the classics of the '80s. Depending on our moods, all types of music are part of our lives.

A: Because we're rather different, we complement each other. Sometimes we argue, but immediately we talk and reach a balancing point. Our sense of humor also unites us. But the biggest factor is that we are family. Sharing the same blood is very powerful.

Q: You often record songs in which you sing to each other as lovers. Is that awkward?

A: Pimpinela is a mix of music and acting. We are songwriters, but we are also actors playing different roles. During the three minutes that a song lasts, we completely forget our sibling relationship, and people feel that it's real. The audience plays the game along with us. When the song ends, we all laugh until we begin the next one.

Q: "Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta" is like a mini-telenovela, as are many of your hits. Were you inspired by soap operas?

A: Maybe unconsciously. Our greatest inspiration was trying to do something different, something that nobody had done. Lucía was studying theater and I liked to compose. One day I wrote a song with characters and she started to dramatize it. Girl against guy: That was the beginning of "Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta"; that was the beginning of Pimpinela.

Q: You two recorded a single with Philip Michael Thomas from "Miami Vice." Explain.

A: We knew him through a mutual friend who lives in Miami. Philip was charming, humble and talented, with charisma and a great voice. Right away there was a connection and we recorded "Ever and Forever" in English and Spanish. We sang it in several cities around the world, from Miami to Madrid.

Q: You sang in English on that track. Why not pursue an English career?

A: Pimpinela has a passionate, entirely Latin style. English turns our songs into froth and takes away their personality. We did an experiment with "Olvidame y Pega La Vuelta" that was called "Get Out of My Life Now." And it was like a lullaby! No way!

Q: You both have children who sing. Will they follow in your footsteps?

A: Both of them have a great talent for music, but we hope that they choose whatever makes them happy. Rocío is 17 and she inherited the voice of her mother, Lucía. My son, Francisco, is 24 years old and he loves to express himself through songwriting, like me. While we do not encourage it, we'd love that someday they sing together.

Q: In 2010, you created and starred in "La Familia," a successful jukebox musical that told the story of your lives. Tell us about the experience.

A: It was an exact re-creation of our lives: the arrival of a family of Spanish immigrants — our parents — in Argentina, who had two children that inherited their love for music. It was all very emotional because every scene and every bit of dialogue was based in reality, and that brought us a lot of memories. We always had a lump in our throat.